The numbers coming out of Ohio are staggering. In just a few months, the state has lost nearly 15 million birds to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Once known for being one of the top egg-producing states in the nation, Ohio now leads the country in bird flu cases by a wide margin.
Ohio, home to more than 40 million laying hens, has been hit hard. February alone saw the loss of over 5 million laying hens, more than 100,000 pullets, and nearly 340,000 turkeys. Since December, HPAI has ravaged commercial operations and even claimed the state’s first human infection — a Mercer County farm worker exposed to infected birds.
HPAI isn’t just affecting poultry either. The virus has shown up in a variety of domestic animals and wildlife, including cats. Nationwide, over 166 million birds have been impacted since the outbreak began in early 2022.
To confront the crisis head-on, the USDA recently rolled out a comprehensive $1 billion strategy aimed at long-term solutions. Here’s how that funding breaks down:
$500 million to enhance biosecurity — expanding wildlife biosecurity assessments and offering free audits to any farm hit by HPAI.
$400 million in financial support for affected producers.
$100 million earmarked for research into vaccines, therapies, and tools to help reduce depopulation needs.
The plan also includes initiatives to streamline the flock repopulation process and get farmers back in business faster.
The impact on consumers is impossible to ignore. The supply chain disruption has caused egg shortages and driven prices sky-high. Some shoppers are now seeing prices of $6–$10 per dozen — a stark contrast to the $1.79 average in 2021.
The USDA predicts a 41% rise in egg prices by the end of 2025. To ease the pressure, the U.S. will temporarily import up to 100 million eggs in the coming weeks.
Despite promising developments, including a conditional license granted to Zoetis for a chicken vaccine, the U.S. isn’t moving quickly on vaccinating commercial flocks.
Why? Trade concerns. Many of our international partners do not recognize vaccinated birds as disease-free, which could jeopardize the U.S. poultry export market — worth billions annually. Lawmakers warn that vaccination could have a ripple effect on the entire industry, from family farms to major producers.
Still, key industry groups like the National Turkey Federation and United Egg Producers are pushing for action. They’ve asked for a meeting with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to explore a path forward on vaccination and policy reform.
Ohio’s situation is a grim snapshot of a national crisis. The USDA’s investment is a step in the right direction, but the road to recovery will depend on balancing immediate relief, long-term solutions, and international trade realities.
For now, both producers and consumers are left navigating a volatile market — and hoping that science, policy, and persistence can help turn the tide.
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